Better Writing
Comma Use with Items in a Series
and Coordinate Adjectives
VOCABULARY
Series
A list of three or more things.
Coordinate Adjectives
Two or more adjectives that modify the same noun separately.
THE RULE
1. Use commas to separate each item in a series.
2. Use a comma between coordinating adjectives.
PRACTICE Comma Usage in a Series
Error: Recent research shows that students and parents alike look at academic reputation
faculty credentials and the accomplishments of graduates when choosing a college to
attend.
Correction: Recent research shows that students and parents alike look at academic
reputation, faculty credentials, and the accomplishments of graduates when choosing
a college to attend.
Error: The
campus, including concerts, movie nights and intramural sports.
and events on
Correction: The
nd events
on campus, including concerts, movie nights, and intramural sports. (Omitting a comma
between the last two items in a series can cause ambiguity in some lists, so it is preferable
to place a comma in that position).
PRACTICE Comma Usage with Coordinating Adjectives
Error: My father is a kind generous soul.
Correction: My father is a kind, generous soul.
Error: Emily picked the delicious chocolate cake for dessert.
Correction: Emily picked the delicious, chocolate cake for dessert.